Libertad lifts to win Kindergarten
A track downgrade prior to the first race wasn't what trainer Annabel Neasham wanted to see ahead of Libertad's Kindergarten Stakes assignment, but she need not have worried with the lightly raced colt pulling out all stops to remain unbeaten.
Despite being headed by Saltaire ($4.60) with 200m to go, Libertad ($5.50) refused to lay down, kicking back to deny the filly by a long head with the pair clearing out by 3-3/4 lengths to third placed Barber ($3.90 fav).
Neasham said she was concerned by the consistent rain that fell at Randwick prior to the opening race, leading the track to be downgraded to a soft 6 as she didn't believe Libertad would be as adept in the conditions.
"I wasn't sure he'd like the wet. His gallop Tuesday on the wet track wasn't as good so I wasn't liking the rain that I saw, but he's very classy," Neasham said.
"I just love the way he knuckled down and fought back. He was only having his second start against a reasonably good field so loads of upside."
Libertad's Group 3 victory followed a solid debut win on the Kensington track and Neasham said she would speak to the youngster's owners before deciding whether to take him north for the Brisbane winter carnival or spell him with a view to the spring.
Fortune favours Maher in Carbine Club
Ciaron Maher was happy to see Doncaster first emergency Ospienko get scratched from the Carbine Club Stakes after earning a Group 1 call-up, capitalising on the rival colt's absence to win the three-year-old feature with The Fortune Teller.
The Fortune Teller was also in the Bendigo Guineas (1400m) but Maher opted to take his chances that Osipenko wouldn't go around in the Group 3 Carbine Club Stakes (1600m) and his gamble paid off.
"We made the decision to come here anyway and then we just hoped it (Osipenko) came out," Maher said.
"I just thought Bendigo, a colt, it probably won't do much for him. Up here, it was a bit of a punt but it worked."
The Fortune Teller ($5) gave Tom Marquand's recently healed shoulder a stern test, the horse headed by Matcha Latte ($3.90 fav) before responding to the UK jockey's vigorous riding to fight back and score.
After a trio of Group placings in Melbourne and an even last-start performance to finish midfield in the Australian Guineas, Maher was thrilled to see The Fortune Teller land a valuable stakes win.
"I think the horse needed a very strong rider. It was a bit of a colt run last start which was uncustomary, he's been very genuine," Maher said.
"He's going the right way. He may end up in Brisbane."
Moreira on fire aboard Surefire
Joao Moreira got an early win on the board during the first day of The Championships, guiding wet track specialist Surefire to victory for Chris Waller in the Chairman's Handicap (2600m).
The five-year-old's form had been indifferent on good tracks but relishing the deteriorating conditions on Saturday, Surefire ($17) bounced back to his best with a gritty performance to edge out Gin Martini ($7.50) and Nerve Not Verve ($8).
"He probably got in front a little bit too early. I was forced to do that to make sure I got a smooth run on the inside," Moreira said.
"I'm extremely glad to be winning another race in Australia."
Waller was responsible for enticing Moreira back to Sydney for a six-week stint and was rapt to repay the star jockey with a Group 2 victory to kick-start his visit.
He was also happy to see Surefire back in the winner's stall and confirmed the horse would back-up in next weekend's Sydney Cup (3200m).
"No question, he'll definitely be there in seven days' time," Waller said.
"He needed to turn his form around, he's been a little bit plain the first couple of runs.
"A bit of give in the track today has been a big help."
Dubbo gelding Sizzles in Country Champs
Dubbo trainer Brett Robb has celebrated the biggest win of his career with Sizzle Minizzle taking out the $500,000 Country Championships Final (1400m) at Randwick.
Earning his spot in the field with a runner-up finish in the qualifier at Coonamble, the three-year-old brought what many regarded as inferior formlines but Robb said there was never any doubt over Sizzle Minizzle's ability, only his effectiveness on a heavy track.
"I knew I was coming here with a lot fitter horse than what I had at Coonamble, he missed out on a bit of work heading into it," Robb said.
"Between now and then, I've been able to jam more work into him.
"When I was getting in the truck to come here this morning from out at Penrith and they rung me and said it was pouring down rain, I was getting real nervous then because I didn't think he could handle the wet.
"He just showed he can."
Sizzle Minizzle ($61) scooted along the inside for Sam Clipperton to beat Talbragar ($4 fav) by two lengths with I've Been Tryin' ($14) flashing home late to grab third.
Robb hoped the win was the start of a good day for his family with his father, Rodney, saddling up a team at the NSW picnic meeting.
"He'll be happy. He's at Tomingley picnics today so I hope he wins the Cup there," Robb said.
Quote of the day: "It's definitely our favourite song." – Co-trainer Ben Hayes after Mr Brightside, named after the famous song by The Killers, won back-to-back Doncaster Miles.
